Sweet lemonade to fight the sour effects of cancer

COLUMBUS, Neb. -- An east central Nebraska business was helping raise money on Thursday -- with a little help from lemonade.

Northwestern Mutual in Columbus was partnering with the Hudnall family, which founded Lemon Smiles in 2008, to raise money to battle neuroblastoma.

Lemon Smiles was inspired by the Hudnalls' friend, Charlie, whose neuroblastoma is now in remission.

The Columbus branch of Northwestern Mutual began teaming up with Lemon Smiles in 2017 to raise funds for childhood cancer research. Together, they hosted a lemonade stand to kick off the annual fundraiser.

Lemon Smiles has raised $90,000 since 2008 that has been donated directly to Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Northwestern Mutual began its partnership with them five years ago, and their goal this year is to raise an additional $12,000 to bring their overall fundraising total to over $100,000.

Northwestern Mutual Nebraska has raised over $1,000,000 for the fight against childhood cancer.

The lemonade stand will continue Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hy-Vee in Columbus.